School of Public Health - Physical Therapy DPT

Physical Therapy DPT - Doctoral Projects

AREA OF FOCUS: Clinical Education and Research

TITLE: Investigation of Clinical Instructor Attitudes Toward Physical Therapy Joint Manipulation Clinical Educational Opportunities for Entry Level Physical Therapy Students

FACULTY ADVISOR: Janet Dolot, PT, DPT, COMPT

NUMBER OF STUDENTS THAT CAN BE ACCOMMODATED: 2

DESCRIPTION: The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is the accrediting body for entry-level physical therapy programs. In 2006, revised CAPTE standards for accreditation include a requirement that academic curricula contain instruction in manual therapy techniques (including mobilization/manipulation thrust and non-thrust techniques) (CC-5.39.d of the CAPTE Accreditation Handbook.)

In 2005, Boissonnault and Bryan, investigated thrust joint manipulation clinical education opportunities for professional degree physical therapy students. Their study uncovered limited opportunities for physical therapy students in this area and identified potential obstacles to offering thrust joint manipulation opportunities. Education of academic and clinical faculty is one method of approaching barriers to these opportunities. The American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (AAOMPT) has designed a two day course titled “Manipulation: An Evidence-Based Approach” available for co-sponsorship by interested institutions. It is designed to provide a forum, with integrated laboratory sessions, for clinical instructors and faculty to enhance the opportunities available for thrust and non-thrust manipulation in professional physical therapist programs. The Department of Physical Therapy in the School of Public Health of New York Medical College is planning to offer this course to its clinical education community in March, 2007.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of attendance at the co-sponsored manipulation course on the attitudes of its attendees. The project will involve a review of literature in the area of joint manipulation and clinical education opportunities for entry level physical therapy students; and the design of a research study to elicit the desired data.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: None

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